NCDMB Unveils Guidelines For Utilization Of Local Barite And Drilling Fluids

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has unveiled Guidelines on the use of locally manufactured barites within the oil and gas industry.

The unveiling was done by the Executive Secretary, Engr. Simbi Wabote in presence of operating and oil service companies and some drilling fluid companies in Abuja on Thursday.

Delivering the keynote address at the event, Wabote pointed that the core mandate of the Board is to drive the development and utilization of local capacity and capabilities, including materials and natural resources.

Wabote who was represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistic, Mr Patrick Obah said the Board had been promoting the sustainable production of Barite and Drilling Fluids since inception in 2010, in line with industry requirements and standards of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry.

He affirmed that ”With the approval and implementation of this Guideline the use of imported barite in the oil and gas industry will no longer be supported by the Board. We will work with the industry to ensure the rapid actualization of measures required to enforce total ban of the use of imported barite and drilling fluids in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry in line with the provisions and aspirations of this Guideline and the NOGICD Act of 2010.”

Speaking on the guidelines, the General Manager, Capacity Building Division, Dr Ama Ikuru stated that it sets out to support the capacity and capabilities of Nigerian Companies involved in production, procurement, supply and utilization of the products.

The Guidelines will also attract investments to the Barite and Drilling Fluids Supply Value Chain, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry and the mining sector of the Nigerian economy.

He disclosed that the effective date for implementation is January 1, 2020 to enable the companies to get the required certification to enable them to participate

In his remarks, the President of AMAPOB, Mr Stephen Alao commended the Board for launching the guideline to support the activities of the group and ensure patronage of the local barite and drilling fluids. He pledged the group’s readiness to provide quality products that can serve the industry.

Get timely updates on Local Content and other Energy industry related news

Orient Energy Review has Emerged to be the platform and voice for the ever growing Local Content Policy across the world, it is targeted at tracking the various trends and developments of Local Content in Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, Tanzania, Brazil, the rest part of Africa and the world.